Kane Linnett may not train with his new Hull KR team-mates until the New Year – but coach Tim Sheens says the centre will be ready for action upon his arrival.

The 29-year-old is scheduled to touch down in the UK with his young family in tow in the middle of next month.

Originally, the former North Queensland Cowboys star was due to be in pre-season preparations by now, however visa delays for his partner have seen the NRL Grand Final winner remain in Australia for the time being.

Relaxed about the situation, Sheens has instructed Linnett to complete his own personal program Down Under to ensure he arrives at KCOM Craven Park in tip-top condition.

Whilst there remains a chance that the Scotland international will be here prior to KR’s cut-off point of December 21, Sheens says the new signing will be given time to settle into the country as he makes the switch to the northern hemisphere on a three-year deal.

Hull KR have signed Kane Linnett on a three-year deal from North Queensland Cowboys. (Image: Getty)

“We’ve not got a set date yet for Kane’s arrival,” Sheens told Hull Live. “He has his visa, due to his Scottish passport, but the wife and child have done their interview and that kind of thing.

“They’ve paid to have it prioritised but it’s the time of year when a lot of applications have gone in.

“It may be a couple of weeks. We expect him before Christmas, before we break off, but time will tell.

Time Line

Kane Linnett's career in pictures

2010

Linnett makes his NRL debut for Sydney Roosters in the 38-6 victory over Melbourne Storm, scoring in the win.

2010

He was a member of the losing Grand Final squad that lost 32-8 to St George Illawarra Dragons.

2011

The 2011 campaign was blighted by injury, suffering shoulder and knee problems, and Linnett left the Roosters to sign a two-year deal for North Queensland Cowboys from 2012.

2012

Named the most improved player in his debut term at the Cowboys, Linnett made an instant impression, scoring in the round three tie against Parramatta Eels. Two matches later, he set a club record for the most metres made by a Cowboys centre with 234 against Canberra Raiders.

2013

Linnett played every game for the Cowboys in this season, and made the Scotland squad for the World Cup campaign, with 2013 becoming a real success story for the centre.

2014

Penning a new two-year deal with the Cowboys, Linnett continued his fine form in North Queensland. He was a member of the victorious Auckland Nines squad that season.

2015

Reaching the 100 NRL game milestone early in the 2015 campaign, Linnett tasted his first Premiership win thanks to a dramatic 17-16 victory over Brisbane Broncos.

2016

Linnett helped the Cowboys win the World Club Challenge and scored against Leeds Rhinos at Headingley in the 38-4 landslide success.

2016

He also made Scotland's Four Nations squad that term, playing against Australia at KCOM Craven Park - a place he would soon call home.

2017

Reaching 150 games for the Cowboys, Linnett started at centre in the Grand Final loss to Melbourne Storm.

2018

In a difficult season for the Cowboys, Linnett suffered a torn pectoral injury in February that ruled him out of action until the second half of the campaign. Returning in round 13, he soon commanded his starting left-centre spot back and helped Queensland avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.

However he was one of nine players not to be offered a contract at the Cowboys for 2019.

November 15, 2018

Hull KR announce the signing of Kane Linnett on a three-year deal.

“I doubt if he’ll get here in time to train with the boys but he is in practice over there. He has his own program and I would say the chances are that we’ll just settle him in, unless he gets here earlier than scheduled."

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“Kane gives us a lot of depth in that centre/second row area, given the fact we have Ben Crooks, Jimmy Keinhorst and Junior Vaivai so we’re well versed in that. A number of those guys can play in the second row and on the wing too. It gives us versatility in what’s going to be a long season.

“Kane's talk and defence are very good – and we’re looking for a second-row in him rather than a centre. Joel Tomkins does the same. In a game you need that sort of scenario. You need fit guys, as well as youngsters and experience. It’s going to be a big year for us in that regard."

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